Stoke City vs Portsmouth: Advantageous record for The Potters

Stoke City is gearing up for a crucial match against Portsmouth on January 22 in the EFL Championship. This fixture is pivotal as both teams are fighting to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Currently, Portsmouth occupies the 22nd position, firmly in the relegation places, while Stoke City sits in 18th, aiming to secure a safer spot on the table.

Mark Robins’ arrival has breathed new life into Stoke City, bringing a more strategic approach that has led to better results.

With an upcoming FA Cup fourth-round match also on the horizon, Stoke City’s focus remains on this league clash, where they seek to build on their recent form of three draws, one win, and one loss in their last five matches. This relatively positive streak has showcased an improvement compared to the previous year’s struggles.

READ MORE: Stoke City aim for decisive clash with Portsmouth after positive change under Mark Robins

Contrasting Fortunes and Recent Form

Portsmouth, on the other hand, has experienced a mixed bag of results in their recent matches, recording two wins and three losses in their last five Championship games. Their inconsistency adds pressure as they prepare to host Stoke City, hoping to turn their fortunes around and climb out of the relegation zone.

The last meeting between these two teams earlier this season was a memorable one for Stoke City, who thrashed Portsmouth 6-1 on October 2. Tom Cannon was the star of the show, scoring four goals, with Andrew Moran and Sam Gallagher also finding the net.

This victory highlighted Stoke City's potential under the right circumstances, giving them a psychological edge heading into this match.

Historical Context and Expectations

Historically, Stoke City has had the upper hand in their encounters with Portsmouth. Their recent matchups include a 3-0 win for Stoke in the 2014 EFL Cup and a 2-1 victory in the Premier League back in 2010. While these results favor Stoke City, the upcoming match will be crucial in determining their ability to maintain this dominance.

Both teams are eager to secure three points to boost their chances of staying in the Championship. Stoke City's recent form suggests they have the potential to overcome Portsmouth once again, but the outcome will depend on their ability to capitalize on their opponent's defensive vulnerabilities.